The switch from Fire OS to Vega OS means future Fire TV Sticks will not support installing apps outside the Amazon Appstore.
Amazon has finally confirmed that all future Fire TV Sticks will run Vega OS, replacing the Android-based Fire OS. There has been much speculation about the future of Fire OS since the company revealed Vega OS in 2025. It’s now confirmed that future streaming sticks will adopt the new Linux-based OS, replacing the Fire OS running on older devices.
According to Amazon’s Fire TV developer page, “all future Fire TV Sticks will run on Vega.” The two newest models are already running Vega OS: the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, released in October, 2025, and the New Fire TV Stick HD, launched in April 2026.
The notice to developers reads:
Vega OS allows for fast app launches and smooth interfaces without sacrificing the Fire TV experience customers know and love. Starting with Fire TV Stick 4K Select, all future Fire TV Sticks will run on Vega.
Vega OS is locked down and doesn’t allow installation of apps outside the Amazon App Store.
Future Fire TV Sticks Won’t Allow Apps From Unknown Sources
Amazon has also revealed that new Fire TV Sticks will not allow the installation of apps from unknown sources, commonly referred to as sideloading.
Some users have reported a warning message on the product listings for the Fire TV Stick HD (2nd generation) and Fire TV Stick 4K Select.
In the message, the company states that it is restricting the installation of unverified apps for security reasons.
The warning says:
For enhanced security, this device prevents sideloading or installing apps from unknown sources. Only apps from the Amazon App Store are available for download.
Not all customers can see this message. It may only appear when signed in to an Amazon account rather than browsing as a guest.
Apps Designed for Android Can’t Run on Vega OS
Apps designed for Android run on Fire OS because it is an Android-based operating system. Vega OS, however, is a Linux-based, proprietary platform developed by Amazon and does not natively support Android apps. As a result, developers must adapt their apps to make them compatible with this system.
The developer also needs to distribute their app through the Amazon App Store for it to be available on newer Fire TV Sticks.
This change applies to new and future Fire TV Sticks running Vega OS. Older devices still run on Fire OS and continue to support sideloading.
However, some software updates have introduced restrictions that may prevent certain unverified apps from running properly, even after installation. In some cases, users may also encounter warnings or blocks when attempting to install APK files.
Other Amazon streaming devices, such as the Fire TV Cube and Fire TV smart TVs, are expected to continue running Fire OS for now, although the company has not confirmed its long-term plans.
Current Fire TV Stick models, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, still support sideloading. However, Amazon may eventually phase out Fire OS-based sticks in favor of newer models running Vega OS.
Google TV/Android TV Devices that Support Sideloading
Both Android TV and Google TV support sideloading. Android TV is the older platform with an app-focused interface, while Google TV, launched in 2020, offers a more modern, content-driven user experience.
We recommend devices running the newer Google TV interface. Below are our top picks:
1. Walmart ONN 4K Pro (Under $50)
ONN is a Walmart electronic brand that offers budget-friendly alternatives to premium products. The ONN 4K Pro runs on Google TV and has become a go-to product for consumers. It is a compact box that transforms your non-smart TV into a modern stream-ready TV.
At $50, the ONN 4K Pro offers various Google TV devices, including 4K HDR streaming with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, built-in Google Assistant, Wi-Fi 6 support, and access to major video streaming apps.
The device typically includes 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, which is generous for its price range and allows users to install both native apps and sideloaded third-party apps.
2. Xiaomi TV Box S 3rd Gen (Under $80)
As the name suggests, the Xiaomi TV Box S is a box-shaped streamer. It’s compact and rounded on the edges and runs on Google TV software.
Xiaomi TV Box S offers 32 GB of storage with 2 GB of RAM. It is powered by a 2.5 GHz quad-core processor.
The Xiaomi TV Box S (3rd Generation) supports 4K UHD output. It includes support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for improved contrast and color accuracy.
For audio, the device supports Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Additional features include Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and a built-in Google Assistant.
3. Google TV Streamer 4K (Under $80)
The Google TV Streamer 4K is a streaming box that doubles as a smart home controller.
Google TV Streamer supports 4K UHD resolution, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.
The device also supports Dolby Digital Plus for audio.
It comes with 32 GB of storage, allowing users to install streaming apps and additional third-party applications.
The Google TV Streamer 4K features a quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM. It includes a built-in Google Assistant and a Find My Remote feature.
A limitation compared to some competitors is the lack of Wi-Fi 6 support. However, it supports Ethernet connectivity (via an adapter), which enables more stable streaming.
4. Xiaomi TV Stick 4K 2nd Gen (Under $80)
If you are looking for a streaming stick that’s closest in appearance to the Fire TV Stick, consider the Xiaomi TV Stick (2nd Generation). It is compact and fits easily at the back of your TV.
The Xiaomi TV Stick 4K (2nd Generation) runs on a quad-core Cortex A-55 processor with a Mali-G310 V2 GPU. It includes 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage.
It runs the Google TV interface and supports 4K streaming with HDR and Dolby Vision. Audio support includes Dolby Atmos.
Connectivity features include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, though it does not include Wi-Fi 6.
5. MECOOL KM9 Pro Max ($95)
MECOOL is a fast-rising consumer electronics company focused on Android TV boxes. The MECOOL KM9 Pro Max is a decent streamer box that runs on the new Google TV OS.
The MECOOL KM9 Pro Max is a mid-to-high-range streaming device, with prices starting at around $94.99, depending on the retailer.
It supports 4K streaming and is typically equipped with a quad-core processor, 32GB of storage, and 2GB of RAM. With these specs, it is closely rivaling industry leaders such as the Google TV Streamer 4K and the Fire TV Cube.
It runs a Google TV or Android TV-based interface and includes a built-in Google Assistant, allowing users to search for content, control playback, and access smart features using voice commands.
Wrapping Up
As Amazon introduces Vega OS on newer Fire TV devices, the long-term future of sideloading on the platform is less certain. However, existing Fire OS devices still support it.
Meanwhile, streaming devices running Google TV remain widely available and continue to support sideloading via developer options, allowing users to install third-party apps for streaming content, including movies, TV shows, and live TV.
If you use sideloaded apps to stream your favorite content, we’ve looked at five Google TV alternatives to the Fire TV Stick. Which one interests you most? Let us know in the comments.
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